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The Shibden Valley from Halifax: A Circular Walk

This walk is about 5 miles long, with some uphill sections.

From the centre of Halifax, you can choose to start either near the railway station (pay parking, free toilets) and walk through the shopping centre to Kirkgate (5-10min), or look for parking near Kirkgate.

The walk starts at Kirkgate. Right on to Bank Bottom; cross Hebbie Brook at the bridge and head uphill for about 200 yards, cross the road and enter a cobbled lane (Southowram Bank), from which you get a great view back to Halifax,

Walk uphill, until the path forks onto another cobbled footpath, go right and emerge on a proper, metalled road.

Cross at the right of an industrial building (Aquaspersion) onto another cobbled path (Magna Via which is pictured below).

Cross the gate and bear left, looking at Shibden Valley (in photo below) to your left and keep left at the next fork.

113. Downhill path through Shibden valley
After about 100yards, a narrow walled track through hedgerows to the left leads downhill and eventually through a new housing estate.

Cross the road and enter another downhill path, just by the entrance to a farm, on your right – this entry point is pretty easy to miss.

Eventually you walk under a railway line and into Shibden Park.

This is a lovely space, complete with rowing lake, mini-railway and children playgrounds.

A circular walk through the park, possibly stopping for a coffee, prior to walking up to the Elizabethan Shibden Hall, is highly recommended.

You walk uphill past the Hall, exit the park and meet a road. Turn right, walk on pavement to Lister Road Bridge.

At the left of the bridge, take the steep steps downhill, then follow the pavement downhill. When you meet another road, you will be able to retrace your steps through cobbled Southowram Bank back to Halifax.